SMU vs SPY
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $56M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -52.09% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -93.32% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 176.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Tradr ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMU vs SPY Performance
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMU returned -93.32% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, SMU is down 52.09% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 176.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -98.2% for SMU and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMU charges 1.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $9 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMU currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMU or SPY?
SMU has an expense ratio of 1.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMU or SPY?
Over the past year SMU returned -93.32% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMU annualized -93.55% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMU or SPY?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 176.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMU -98.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMU and SPY?
SMU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMU and SPY?
SMU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMU or SPY?
SMU yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.